Chili’s customers in North Carolina suffer burns after sipping margaritas mistakenly made with cleaning chemical
Five people suffered chemical burns to their mouths at a North Carolina Chili's after a cleaning degreaser was mistaken for a drink ingredient. Three customers and two employees were affected. The incident occurred on October 28 when a container of cleaning powder entered the restaurant. Some victims required emergency room treatment. Chili's described the event as an isolated incident and stated that all related issues have been addressed. The restaurant has since reopened and has not been fined.
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- ✓ Three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns to their mouths.
- ✓ The incident took place at a Chili's restaurant in North Carolina.
- ✓ A cleaning chemical or degreaser was mistakenly used in the preparation of margaritas.
- ✓ The restaurant has reopened and has not received a fine.
What changed
New reports specify that two employees were burned alongside three customers and identify the chemical as a degreasing powder.
Live updates
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North Carolina Chili's Customers Suffer Chemical Burns From Margaritas
Five people suffered chemical burns to their mouths at a North Carolina Chili's after a cleaning degreaser was mistaken for a drink ingredient. Three customers and two employees were affected. The incident occurred on October 28 when a container of cleaning powder entered the restaurant. Some victims required emergency room treatment. Chili's described the event as an isolated incident and stated that all related issues have been addressed. The restaurant has since reopened and has not been fined.
Why it matters
The event highlights a severe failure in chemical storage and food safety protocols within the restaurant. It remains unclear exactly how the cleaning agent was introduced into the food preparation area.
What is confirmed
- Three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns to their mouths.
- The incident took place at a Chili's restaurant in North Carolina.
- A cleaning chemical or degreaser was mistakenly used in the preparation of margaritas.
- The restaurant has reopened and has not received a fine.
- Chili's called the event an isolated incident.
Still unconfirmed
- The chemical was used specifically for the salt rim of the glasses.
- The incident occurred on October 28.
What to watch next
- Official health department inspection reports
- Lawsuits filed by the affected customers
- Company-wide changes to chemical handling policies
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- WRAL — Three NC Chili's customers treated for chemical burns after margarita mixed-up
- WBTV — 3 Chili’s customers burned after chemical reportedly mixed into drinks in North Carolina
- The New York Times — Margaritas Rimmed With Degreaser Burn 5 People at a North Carolina Chili’s
- Syracuse.com — 5 suffer chemical burns from Chili’s margaritas mixed with cleaning product in N.C.
- The Independent — Three Chili’s customers chemically burned after margarita mix-up
- NBC News — Chili’s customers in North Carolina suffer burns after sipping margaritas mistakenly made with cleaning chemical
- www.dailymail.com — Margarita horror as Chili's customers suffer chemical burns after bartender mistakes chemical degreasing powder for sugar
- Food Safety News — Degreaser accidentally used for salt on Chili's margarita glasses
- www.nbcnews.com — Chili’s customers in North Carolina suffer burns after ...
- www.delish.com — Chili’s Customers Suffered Chemical Burns From Margaritas ...
- www.yahoo.com — Three Chili’s customers chemically burned after margarita mix-up
- www.yahoo.com — Chili’s Customers Suffer Chemical Burns After Margaritas Were ...
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